English: American Badger; French: Blaireau americain; Apache: Ba’/ma’nteelé; Navajo: Nahashch’id.
Former distribution: As now.
Present distribution: From south-western Canada and the north-central United States, south through the western part of the USA into central Mexico.
Behaviour: Preferred habitat: open and dry terrain. They live singly and are usually active at night and at twilight. Their diet includes small mammals, carrion and fruits. In northern areas the badger sleeps in the winter time if the ground is frozen; and at night.
Population status: Stable.
Brief notes:
Body weight: 3.5-12 kg
Head and body length: 40-75 cm
Tail length: 15-19 cm
Shoulder height: 12-18 cm
Gestation period: 6-7 weeks
Maximum age: 13 years in captivity
Trophy: No records
Hunting methods: With dogs, and the digging out of the setts (burrows).
Remarks: Badgers have been hunted to obtain hair for shaving brushes.
